The Best Foundations For Pale Skin!

Now as you guys I'm sure are very well aware, I was blessed with skin so fair that I reflect the sun, blend into snow and glisten in the light. Being pale isn't so bad I guess... I mean you get a good laugh when you put your arms next to your "lack-of-tan" complaining mate's limbs and play compare the pair. But when it comes to finding the right foundation shades, now that can be a dousey and send any one of us down struggle street. However, never fear because I present to you, not just one, but 9 different solutions that are perfect us neutral/pink undertoned pale skin people!

I promise they don't look this yellow on the face, my arm is like printing paper

Alrighty let's get this show on the road! So I have ordered the foundations from least $ to most $$$ so you have a better idea at what you are looking at and the amount of money you are willing to spend.

Models Prefer Infinite Colour Foundation in Shell

Claims - "Easily blendable, this lightweight formula effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, smoothing, softening your skin whilst providing natural build able coverage. Suitable for all skin types that imparts a natural velvety finish. A colour that lasts 12 hours without shining thanks to the use of a special sponge-like polymer technology."

Consistency - A thick-ish formula however it does not feel heavy on the skin, blends nicely

Coverage - Medium (buildable), semi-matte finish

Longevity - Although I wouldn't entirely agree with the 12 hour wear, this stuff does sit beautifully on the skin for a good 8 hour shift/work/uni/school day. Touch up recommended on oily skin.

SPF? - No

Price - $16.99 from Priceline (pump sold separately)

Elle's Verdict - A solid 9/10! Perfect for the fuss-free makeup girl doesn't want to spend a fortune!

Rimmel Match Perfection Light Perfecting Radiance Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain 

Claims - "A match so perfect, it's undetectable in any light! Light perfecting radiance in a foundation that has traceless coverage and perfectly flawless skin that lasts all day."

Consistency - Very thin and runny that feels lightweight on the skin

Coverage - Light, glowy finish

Longevity - This doesn't wear as long as I would like it nor as long as it claims to unfortunately, but the lightweight and hydrating formula makes it a great foundation for the cooler months/drier skin types.

SPF? - Yes, SPF 18

Price - $16.95

Elle's Verdict - 7/10

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

Claims - "Instant perfect coverage that feels extra comfortable and lasts all day. Blends flawlessly, seamlessly, instantly and easily into the skin. Sweat, heat, humidity and transfer proof for up to 25 hours."

Consistency - A thicker formula than the Match Perfection, but not gluggy

Coverage - Medium (buildable), semi-matte finish

Longevity - Much more long wearing than the Match Perfection, however can become a little patchy on oilier areas throughout day

SPF? - Yes, SPF 20

Price - $17.95

Elle's Verdict - 7/10

L'oreal True Match Foundation in R1 Rose Ivory

Claims - "True Match super-blendable liquid foundation perfectly matches the colour and texture of your skin, hiding imperfections with its fine, creamy texture. The result: Flawless coverage."

Consistency - Thinner formula but great pigmentation

Coverage - Medium-full, matte finish

Longevity - Very long wearing but not at all cakey looking

SPF? - No

Price - $29.95

Elle's Verdict - 8/10! This shade of foundation unfortunately wasn't bought in Australia, but if you can get your hands on the R range, I highly recommend it!

Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Oily/Combination Skin in 110 Ivory

Claims - "Perfect coverage with a lightweight formula that won't cake, fade or rub off. Time release technology makes this specifically formulated for combination or oily skin to control oil absorption and shine. Makeup feels comfortable and wears for up to 24 hours."

Consistency -  Thicker consistency, light feeling on skin

Coverage - Medium-full, matte finish

Longevity - Very long wearing, flawless face finish

SPF? - Yes, SPF 15

Price - $34.95

Elle's Verdict - 9/10! My favourite and go-to drugstore foundation!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW10

Claims - "A modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage. Comfortable and long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. Applies smoothly, builds coverage quickly and easily. Contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimize the appearance of imperfections. Absorbs and disperses oil."

Consistency - Thicker consistency but not too cakey looking

Coverage - Medium-full, matte finish (wouldn't recommend for dry skin)

Longevity - Super long wearing, go to foundation for long days/nights out!

SPF? - Yes, SPF 15

Price - $49.00

Elle's Verdict - 9/10

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia or Mont Blanc

Claims - "An artistry favourite backstage at Fashion Week, this silky liquid foundation delivers immediate hydration, evens skin tone and leaves the skin brighter and more radiant. Used daily, your skin's texture and tone improves becoming softer, smoother and more luminous. Sheer Glow Foundation provides all-day weightless and buildable coverage, with a natural radiant finish."


Consistency - A thin consistency with fantastic pigmentation

Coverage - Medium-full, glowy/natural finish

Longevity - Extremely long wearing, touch ups needed for combo/oily skin

SPF? - No

Price - $59.00

Elle's Verdict - 10/10! This stuff is incredible and my HG foundation! So beautiful on the skin!

By Terry Cover Expert Foundation in 1 Fair Beige

Claims - "An iconic liquid foundation that delivers velvety, matte results and reveals a naturally unified, radiant complexion. Incorporating futuristic camouflage technology and colour-corrective properties, this full-coverage foundation works to even out skin tone and diffuse light across the face. Imperfections and signs of fatigue are instantly camouflaged without "thickness" or a masking effect."

Consistency - Very light weight but delivers excellent coverage

Coverage - Medium-full coverage, matte finish with a glow from within

Longevity - Very long wearing!

SPF? - No

Price - $89.00

Elle's Verdict - 9/10! Definitely an investment, but so worth it! A stunning foundation.



Hope you enjoyed this post and be sure to check out my video on YouTube for more in-depth information on each of the foundations and a better look at the consistencies/colours of the shades. Be sure to let me down below if you would like to see a "pale skin series" of my favourite powders, concealers, contour/highlight powders, nude lipsticks, you name it!


Much love and stay gorgeous,
xx Elle

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January Beauty Favourites!

We say this every time a month goes by, by holy moly did this first thirty one days of 2015 fly by! A blink of an eye and it will be 2016 for all I know! This month brought with it a chance for me to try out a whole bunch of new goodies, and some of them are pure liquid gold I tell ya!


Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
I simply can't rave about this product enough and I can't fault any of the shades! Super creamy, pigmented and long-wearing shadows that are perfect for the everyday makeup look and for those special occasions. I've been wearing shades from this palette every day in the month of Jan (and December 2014 for that matter) and who can resist a little chocolate in their life?


Real Techniques Multi Task Brush
To be honest, when I first bought this brush from iHerb as apart of the Travel Essentials Kit, I didn't think much of it. I started using it for powder, bronzer and blush but invested in Sigma brushes to fulfil those purpose, thus throwing this one to the back of my drawers. However, I recently re-discovered this bad boy and tried it at applying foundation. Shut the front door. This is indeed a miracle brush! I will never be turning to my Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki again! Enough said.


The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighting Powder
Mary is my new gal pal, my wingman, my partner in crime. A day simply doesn't go by without sweeping her champagne goodness over my cheekbones, brow bone and cupids bow. Hands down the most incredible highlighter I have ever owned!


Ardell 120 Demi Lashes
The December/January period equals party time. The hair is let down, the heels go on and the eyes become that little more dramatic! These lashes have been an absolute god send and I just can't get enough! The perfect amount of length, volume and flarey-outy-ness that is perfect for every occasion, day or night!


Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium
For years I have been very sceptical about Benefit products. I think I may be the only one on the planet who hates their They're Real Mascara, High Beam and Benetint products, so you can only imagine the hesitation I felt when forking out the $35 for this brow mascara. How wrong and unnecessary that anxiety was! This stuff is the ants pants! Without a doubt the most amazing brow product that volumizes, thickens and darkens the brows instantaneously!


NARS Eye Paint in Black Valley
For years, I have been on the constant search to find that perfectly creamy, pigmented black gel liner and so many brands have let me down! Hundreds of dollars on liners and different brushes for liner have been spent to hit that nail on the head. But finally, the search is over and I have found my HG gel liner! I have been a lover of NARS products for quite some time, and this is another one to add to the list!


Beauty Blender Original 
Before I could justify spending the $30 something dollars on a makeup sponge, I wanted to dip my toe into the water and try things out first to see if I liked the whole scheme of things by purchasing the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge a few months back. I absolutely loved it and so, decided to take the plunge and buy the real deal that started the whole craze. I've been using this everyday to apply my concealer and have been loving it just as much as the cheaper, RT version!


Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30
Having ghostly white skin has its perks, but definitely its flaws and one of the huge downsides to have flesh reminiscent to that of Edward Cullen's means that I get burnt. Really bad, really fast. Especially in this hot Aussie summer weather, I have to take that extra step to make sure I am as protected as possible and I am bowing down to this baby right now! Super light weight, hydrating, non-greasy and non-smelly sunscreen has kept my face as pale and burn-free as the day I was born!



So that wraps things up for all the products I've been loving this past month! Be sure to check out my video that gives even more detail and close ups of each of the products and why not SUBSCRIBE while you are over there? Be sure to comment below what have you been head over heels with in January too!


Much love and stay gorgeous,

Elle xx

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Feelin' A Little Empty | Product's I've Used Up

Oh boy have I used up a lot of goodies these last couple of months! So many of these products were new discoveries for me in the year of 2014, some which I am glad to have finally scraped the last out of and others, complete golden gems! 

Let's get stuck into it.

Starting off with hair! The latter part of 2014 was definitely a time where I started to give more of a shit about my hair care. After making the big step in ombre-ing my hair, I needed to put a little more TLC in my routine and the Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Shampoo & Conditioner did exactly what I needed. It left my hair smelling amazing and feeling soft, silky and sealed all of my ends which I was in desperate need of due to my large amount of heat styling. My Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray was definitely a much loved product throughout the year, this being my 5th bottle! It smells great, is lightweight and is a complete staple! Two hairsprays that I finished off included the Toni & Guy Creative Extreme Hold Hairspray and unfortunately, I was left very underwhelmed with the "gravity defying technology" it claimed. The Tresemme Salon Finish Freeze Hold Hairspray was the favourite this time round, keeping my locks voluminous and in place during wind, rain or shine.

Now leaning into skincare, the Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Clarifying Cleanser did a great job at leaving my skin feel fresh, clean and removed makeup easily however the skin was left a little tight afterwards which was a let down for me. Indeed Laboratories' Hydraluron was such a disappointing product and I really don't see the hype. It left a tacky residue and, ironically, made my skin feel dry rather than hydrating it which is what hyaluronic acid is all about. The Nivea Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes with Bio Argan Oil & Bio Aloe Vera was another crash and burn product. A thin towelette that didn't remove makeup effectively and made the eyes sting is definitely not a plus in my books. 

It seems as though I completely ploughed through moisturisers these past few months! Finishing up my Embryolisee Lait-Creme Concentre was definitely a sad day to say the least. This baby left my skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated and I'm a little sad that I didn't pick up a bigger size at IMATS 2014. The Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream was a thicker formula, perfect for the night time skincare routine and definitely another love of mine! This was my 2nd bottle of the Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturiser for Combination Skin and for some reason this bottle just wasn't like the last. They must have changed the formula or something, because this isn't how I remembered my (old) favourite day time cream! A thin consistency that was lightweight and refreshing, now left the skin feeling greasy and dirty if you will. 

Finishing up my Artiste Brush Cleaner was a bittersweet moment for me as it meant that I had to fork out another $15 for 100mL of alcohol to spot clean my brushes. I didn't have this for very long at all and I think that was what disappointed me the most. Yeah sure it did an okay job at cleaning, but if I have to go out and buy a new one of these every two weeks, I'm not a happy camper. On a more positive note though, if you know me in person or have been watching my YouTube channel for a while, you will know how much I adore my Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion Body Spray! This stuff is sex in a bottle. Literally. Onto my 4th bottle and I will continue to repurchase this baby until I find an equivalent EDP. 

Now finally onto the makeup-y items! I finished up two of my holy grail concealers, the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair, which has fantastic coverage and longevity, and the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Brightening, my favourite for under the eyes and highlighting the face. It was a sad day indeed when my mini of the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer came to an end. This stuff is amazing and the complete package! Kept my face matte during the hot, sticky summer days and provided a smooth, flawless base for my makeup. What more could you ask for? Yet another HG product was my Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin which I have since repurchased. An amazing medium-full coverage, long lasting and semi-matte foundation that just sits perfectly on the face. Tick, tick, tick! And finally, the Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara was a new discovery and recommendation from Ash (ashleighgreenstyle). A brilliant formula that left the lashes soft, lengthened and clump-free, perfect for that everyday/no-makeup-makeup look!

So there we have it! Have you used up any of the products featured? I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions!

Much love and stay gorgeous,

Elle xx

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Oh My Haul | Feeling Irresistibly Legendary

One can simply not resist when they walk into the glass doors of a MECCA Maxima store! I managed to restrain myself quite a bit this time round, leaving with only two items, a purchase which left my bank account not too rattled. 

NARS recently released a brand new collection for Spring 2015 called "Eye Opening Act", a collaboration with the ever so gorgeous actress, Tilda Swinton. 

When the two eyeshadow palettes released, I knew that I had to get my hot little hands on them! Catching my eye was most definitely the NARS Yeux Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette purely for that gorgeous copper toned shadow in the middle! My heart was swooning and I nearly melted when I swatched the bad boys! NARS eyeshadow formulas are one of my favourite, and this palette did not disappoint!

The palette comes with six gorgeous, pigmented and blendable eyeshadows:

• All About Eve - flesh toned neutral shimmer
• Jezebel - copper shimmer
• Thunderball - midnight blue grey matte
• Colombo - vintage gold shimmer
• Brousse - warm toned taupe shimmer
• Coconut Grove - deep brown matte

When I went to Hong Kong last year, I found the most incredible soft peachy-pink lipstick by Maybelline part of their NEO Nudes collection. Despite loving the colour and creaminess, the longevity just wasn't up to scratch for my liking. So began the quest of searching for an exact dupe where months later, I came across the Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Posy Pink and oh my, did this rock my world!

These lipsticks are incredible! So creamy, so pigmented and the lasting power of these is out of this world! I wore this out to a 21st birthday party and many drinks later, this baby was still there looking as fresh as when I first applied it! If you haven't checked these out, what the hell are you waiting for?

PS. I hate to brag, but I just can't resist at a moment like this! MECCA Maxima actually regrammed this picture of mine on their Instagram! Holy moly. What an honour! Check it out!

Much love and stay gorgeous,

Elle xx

YouTube // Instagram // Twitter // Tumblr

It's Been A While...

Holy smokes! And that's to say the least. I haven't been here in quite a while now have I? *slaps on wrist* So 2014 has come to an end and 2015 is already zooming in front of our eyes but what things has Once Upon A Beauty Time been up to? Well, in a nutshell, I...

• Became the proud owner of a "The Horse" watch
• Started my new job
• Finished my first year of university
• Became obsessed with pulled pork
• Discovered a love for Long Island Iced Tea
• Attended my first music festival
• Got sunburnt in 21oC Tasmanian sun
• Ate cactus

The end of twenty fourteen was a hoot to say the least, and I can only imagine the incredible stories that are yet to unfold this coming year. But for now, I leave you with a short travel vlog of my recent trip to Hobart, Tasmania!

Much love and stay gorgeous, 

Elle xx

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Monthly Favourites | September 2014

Hello beauties!

Another month down, another monthly favourites and I have some absolute winners this time round! I know we say this each month, but boy has these last 30 days just flown by!

Malin + Goetz Lip Moistursier
This is, hands down, the best lip balm treatment I have ever tried! Super creamy and smooth, not at all sticky and leaves a beautiful shine to the lips! I highly recommend it to anyone with super chapped lips and can be bought at MECCA Cosmetica for $16.

MAC Eyeshadow Palette
When I travelled to Hong Kong, I had to go and create my own 15 pan eyeshadow palette because of the incredible prices of MAC products there. I am so in love with all the colours that I have where my palette contains a mixture of neutrals, oranges and plum tones. Super creamy and pigmented, if you don't own any MAC shadows, what are you doing with your life?! 

Maybelline Hypersharp Liquid Liner

Another item that I bought whilst in HK, which I couldn't be more over the moon with! I think I can safely say that I love this more than our Master Precise! Boasts a super thin making winged liner an absolute breeze and doesn't dry out as quickly as the Master Precise! 

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
This has been my go-to mascara of the moment after I recently rediscovered it in my collection! This beauty separates the lashes like no other and can be built up with 2-3 coats for volume. Stays on all day, no flakes but comes off easily at night time when removing make up.

Real Techniques Make Up Sponge
My Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush has moved aside for this miracle sponge! I absolutely love to use it to apply my foundation and concealer for a flawless finish. You can get it super cheap from iHerb and is definitely a great dupe for the Beauty Blender which is over $20.

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque 
Ever since I dyed my hair and got ombre, my ends have been super damaged, so I purchased this hair mask to add to my routine to give my ends a little helping hand! It smells great, leaves hair silky smooth and I use it twice a week when I wash hair after conditioning.

Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light
This was my first ever bronzer/highlight duo and after a few uses, I hid it away because I thought it was much too orange for my pale complexion. I think though this was because I was applying it WAY too heavily and not blending. But a few months ago, I pulled it out again and used it underneath my NYX Blush in Taupe for a more contoured look and I loved it! I've been using it ever since, especially for nights out when there is flash photography to warm up my ghost like face!

Chobani Yoghurt in Coconut
I have been a huge fan of Chobani yoghurts ever since they hit stores in Australia and I love trying out all their flavours! Now you guys know how much I love coconut, so I simply couldn't resist and OH MY GOD this is quite possibly the most incredible thing in life! If you've never tried greek yoghurt, or you have and didn't like the taste, give Chobani a go, especially the ones with fruit in them. They are delicious!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and give the video a THUMBS UP! Why not SUBSCRIBE too while you're there!

Much love,

xx Elle

Hauling It | IMATS Sydney 2014!!

Hello my lovelies!

WOW! What an incredible experience IMATS Sydney was last weekend! I had such a lovely time with Ash from Ashleigh Green Style and got to meet the beautiful Katie from Steal The Spotlight!!

I spent a little bit too much money but to hell with it! It was a once in a lifetime (except that it happens every year haha) opportunity so I thought I would splurge on a couple of items!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and click the SUBSCRIBE button if you liked what you saw!

Much love and sunshine,

xx Elle

TMI Tag | Too Much Information

Hello beauties!

Today I have a little bit of a different video for you! I did the TMI Tag and was tagged AGES ago by a few people when I first started but never got around to filming it! So I hope you all enjoy getting to know a little bit more about me and be sure to give the video a big thumbs up and hit that SUBSCRIBE button if you aren't already!



Much love,
xx Elle

September Empties | Product's I've Used Up #2

Hello my lovelies!

Boy have I got a lot of empty products for you today! Who knew that a girl could go through so many things in such a short amount of time!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and if you like what you saw, hit that SUBSCRIBE button!

Much love,

xx Elle

GRWM | Friday Night Make Up Look ft. MNY

Hello my lovelies!

Today's video is a one branded tutorial featuring all Maybelline products, my favourite drugstore brand! A simple bright pink lips with a nice big wing for a classic Friday Night Make Up look!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and hit the SUBSCRIBE button if you liked what you saw!


Much love and hugs,
xx Elle

Hauling It | HUGE MAC Hong Kong Haul

Hello my lovelies!

Due to my Hong Kong Haul being so so large, I had to split it into two parts! This video is all of the MAC cosmetics stuff that I bought whilst I was away and boy did I blow a hole in my wallet!

Be sure to check out the video HERE to see what I bought and if you liked what you saw, give a little lovin' to that SUBSCRIBE button!


Much love,
Elle xx

Hauling It | Hong Kong Beauty Haul

Hello my lovelies!

Today I come at you with a HUGE Hong Kong Beauty Haul! I had an absolutely incredible time in Hong Kong (some photos can be seen on my photography website) and man did I buy a heck of a lot of stuff! And this isn't even half of it!

To find out about my experience and all the goodies that I purchased, watch the video HERE and be sure to SUBSCRIBE if you aren't already!


Hope you are all well and smiley!

xx Elle